Is a backpack a personal item?

The short answer: Yes, a backpack is generally considered a personal item if it fits under the seat in front of you. Most airlines offer a few examples of things that fit into the “personal item” category, such as a purse, laptop bag, or a briefcase, but they don't usually include “backpack” on those lists.

Can you take a backpack and a carry-on?

Most airlines allow passengers to bring on both a carry-on and a personal item like a backpack, laptop bag, purse, briefcase, shopping bag, etc. The general rule of thumb is that your personal item is smaller in dimension than your carry-on bag and it can fit underneath the seat in front of you.

Is my backpack a personal item or a carry-on?

The short answer: If it fits under the seat in front of you, it's considered a personal item. That means small backpacks and daypacks will usually qualify as personal items.

What size backpack can be a personal item?

Personal items can be up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches, large enough to include a sizable purse or smaller backpack.

Is a hiking backpack considered a personal item?

However, you can generally bring a backpack that's up to 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 35 x 22 cm) in size as a carry on bag with most US-based airlines. Additionally, most airlines allow a personal item that's up to 18 x 14 x 8 in (46 x 36 x 20 cm) in size, which is good enough for some small backpacks.

10 Personal Item Bags | Backpacks That Fit Under the Seat for Ryanair, Spirit, and More

Can I check in a backpack as luggage?

Can a Backpack Be Used as Checked Luggage? Yes – backpacks can be used as checked luggage, provided that they comply with the rules of the airlines.

Can I bring two backpacks on a plane?

Airline rules allow for one carry on bag and one personal item, unless you're flying on a basic economy fare. But we've all seen people selfishly putting two bags in the overhead bin or carrying on more luggage than could possibly be allowed. You don't want to be like them. But you also might not be a one bagger.

Do airlines check personal item size?

1 personal item and 1 carry-on*

Dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). Diaper bags (1 per child), soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices don't count as your personal item or carry-on.

How many bags can you take on a plane for free?

Most travelers can bring on board one full-size carry-on bag and one personal item for free. However, there are important exceptions, including for customers traveling on Basic Economy tickets. Also, carry-on rules may be different for flights operated by our airline partners, including United codeshare flights.

Can I take a duffel bag as a personal item?

The short answer is yes. A duffle bag can count as a personal item. However, a duffle bag isn't the most common type of personal item. Briefcases, handbags, and small backpacks are more popular styles.

What qualifies as a personal item on a plane?

What is a personal item on a plane? A personal item is a small procession, for example a purse, laptop, umbrella, camera case, book, or small backpack. Personal items need to be small enough to be stowed securely and safely under the seat in front of you.

Can you bring snacks on a plane?

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

How do you pack a backpack for air travel?

Can I put my purse in my personal item?

“Personal item – includes: purse, briefcase, laptop bag OR a similar item such as a tote. The personal item must be smaller than your carry-on bag and must fit under the seat in front of you.

How strict are airlines about personal items?

Airlines' are more strict with the size and weight of your personal item if they even publish rules. Most importantly, your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. You can, in general, bring one carry on and one personal item with you onto the plane.

What happens if my personal item is too big?

Re: Is my personal item too big for United? Unless one is on a basic economy ticket they will charge you . But you should be on a regular ticket to LHR and if they do a gate check (worst case) you won't be asked to pay anything.

What happens if carry-on bag is too big?

In short, if your carry-on is too large, you'll have to pay to check it at the gate. You'll find the exact rules for a large selection of airlines below, including specific size and weight limits. Take note: any handles and wheels on your bags count toward airlines' size limits.

How big can your personal item be?

Including handles and wheels, the maximum dimensions for a carry-on are 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high. Personal items are limited to 17 inches long, 10 inches wide and 9 inches high.

Does a pillow count as a personal item?

Currently, travel rules list a certain number of personal items you're allowed to bring on a plane. Fortunately, items such as coats and travel pillows do not apply to that count.

Can I bring a backpack and a duffle bag on a plane?

Yes, you can use a duffel bag as your carry-on.

Airlines don't really care what kind of a bag you're using, whether it's a duffel, backpack, suitcase, or even a shopping bag. The only thing they care about is whether your carry-on bag is within the carry-on size and weight restrictions.

Can I put clothes in my backpack on plane?

Place your fragile items between your clothes, preferably in zip bags. Keep the upper layer for the items of lighter fabric such as shirts as well as the ones that you will have to take out during the security check, such as your electronics.

Can I bring sanitizer on a plane?

TSA Exemption for Hand Sanitizer: The TSA will allow one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags until further notice. Since these containers exceed the standard allowance typically permitted through a checkpoint, they must be screened separately.

Why should you not drink water on a plane?

Testing found the presence of microorganisms in the water, including the total coliform bacteria. Their presence in drinking water indicates that disease-causing pathogens could be there as well. Researchers advise airline passengers to never drink water aboard an airplane unless it's sealed in a bottle.

Can I bring a Subway sandwich on a plane?

Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring sandwiches through airport security in your carry-on baggage. If the sandwiches aren't already pre-packaged, they should be wrapped or placed in a resealable bag or container with a secure lid.

What is not allowed in personal item bag?

Sharp objects (scissors (except for nail scissors), knives, straight razors, and safety razor blades, etc.) Sporting equipment. Self-defense items like pepper spray or brass knuckles. Tools of any kind.